What’s at Risk

Every year, there’s a significant chance we’ll experience a major flood on the Columbia River in the Portland metro area.

A 27-mile levee system helps reduce the risk of flooding along the Columbia from North Portland through Gresham, Fairview, and Troutdale.

But no levee can eliminate all risk, and the federal government has deemed our levees inadequate to protect lives and for residents and business owners in the area to qualify for affordable flood insurance.

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The levees protect a number of homes, businesses, jobs, and historic, cultural, environmental, and recreational resources.

THE RISK IS REAL...

And the stakes are high

22 million passengers annually at PDX .

2nd largest source of drinking water in Oregon

$16 billion in economic activity annually.

Over 7,500 residents

Over 59,000 jobs

sections of I-5, I-205, and I-84

50% of the region’s manufacturing and warehouse jobs

important habitat for endangered and protected species

$7.3 billion in assessed property value

Over 2,000 acres of parks, open spaces, and recreational areas

Important nonprofit services like the Food Bank and more

1.4 million trees and shrubs planted by the City of Portland and partners along the slough

Levee Ready Columbia is a partnership of over 20 organizations committed to a collaborative approach to floodplain management and modernizing the 27-mile levee system along the Columbia River in urban Multnomah County. We will make the most of opportunities to reduce the risk of flooding for an area critical to the region’s future while working to improve the environment and recreational value of the managed floodplain.